Reactions At Fest Motivate Artists

FORT LAUDERDALE — "How beautiful," some passers-by say as they peruse the paintings, photographs or pieces of pottery.

Others think a sound barrier goes up just beyond an artist's tent.

"Some stand right outside, ... and they think you can't hear them when they say, `That's gawdy,'" said Steve Terlizzese, 38, who creates mosaic art with his wife, Zoe.

The Terlizzeses, who live near Ocala, are among 300 artists showing and selling work at the 13th annual Las Olas Arts Festival that started Saturday. It continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today along Las Olas Boulevard from Southeast Sixth to Southeast 11th avenues.

As Steve Terlizzese and others sit in lawn chairs amid their creations, they are as much on display in their makeshift galleries as their art.

Usually they get positive feedback, such as the comment Bonnie Elvidge received about her nature paintings.

"One lady said these are cheaper than therapy and they work the same way," said Elvidge, 54, of Wisconsin.

Evoking any response is key, said Charles Nalle, 52, of Melbourne Beach.

"Whether they say, `That's the ugliest thing I've ever seen,' or `That's repulsive,' or `That's beautiful,' either end of the spectrum is fine with me," he said.

Often, potential customers ask, "I like this, but do you have it in another color?"

"Not likely" is the typical answer, since most, if not all, of the work at such fairs is one-of a-kind.

"I don't want people to buy it because it's a bargain or because it matches their couch," Steve Terlizzese said. "I want them to have it because they love it or because it speaks to them."

And while selling their work pays the bills, audience reaction encourages the artists to keep doing what they love, said Kay Steindorf, 62, of Amelia Island, who designs cookie jars shaped like portly people.

"One person said the cookie jars are `feel-good art,'" she said. "It's great to have people enjoy them. Whether they buy one or not, I enjoy seeing the grins.

Jodie Needle can be reached at jneedle@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7908.